Why cycle?

Regular cyclists are as fit as an average person 10 years younger, live two years longer than non-cyclists and breathe in less pollution from traffic than car drivers. Cycling is the fastest way to get around town and if you arrive by bike, yellow lines and clampers needn’t concern you. More often than not, you can park right outside your destination. Unlike a car, to use the roads a cyclist does not need to pay motor tax, NCT or breakdown cover and, above all, there aren’t any fuel bills. Cycling is also the least polluting way of traveling after walking. Ten bikes can be parked in the space of one car and 2kg of carbon are saved for every short journey that is made using a bike instead of a car. Particularly in congested urban areas, using your bike to commute can bring you all sorts of benefits:

Independence

Saying goodbye to restricted parking zones, irregular public transport, the last bus home and gridlocked traffic. On a bike you can be flexible and spontaneous, make an unplanned visit to a shop, a park, meet a friend, etc.

Health and fitness

Twenty minutes of gentle cycling burns up to 100 calories. Regular cycling makes you fitter, as fit as an average person ten years younger. Cycling also raises your metabolic rate, helping you to maintain a healthy weight. Riding a bike firms the thighs and bottom, while working those tricky lower abdominals, taking you that bit closer to the elusive toned tummy.

Saving time

No waiting in queues for the bus or the car park. It is amazing how much faster than motorised traffic one can be cycling at an average of just ten miles an hour – cutting through the congestion. You will arrive on time and often before those in a car.

Reliability

Once you have researched and tried out your route, you will find that your journey time is predictable – bringing peace of mind rather than driving and arriving at work stressed out.

Lower travel costs

If you are currently spending as little as €1.20 a day on fares or petrol, changing to cycling could save over €200 a year – money which can be spent on other things. If the commute costs more the savings are even bigger!

What about the traffic?

Many people state traffic is their biggest turn-off towards cycling. It’s true it can get busy and a little intimidating at times. One trick is to be creative about your route – you can go many places a car can’t. If you’re not used to cycling in traffic it’s a good idea to avoid busier roads when you start off, especially if they don’t have cycle lanes. If you’re in traffic, hold your position – do not ride in the gutter or marginalize yourself – your journey is no less important than anyone else’s. Be clear about your intentions – signal early – anticipate silly moves. For more information on road safety, why not get in touch with us about cycle safety training?

Ride with a bell and don’t jump lights or ride pavements full of pedestrians and your trip will be a lot less stressful – and chances are you’ll still get there quicker than the drivers!

Exercise caution at busy roundabouts.
Watch out for opening doors.
Don’t cut it too fine, leave yourself time to so that you can cycle at a comfortable pace and avoid taking chances.

Improved Conditions for Cyclists in Dublin City Centre

In the past, many people have been put off the thought of cycling to work or college or the shops in Dublin City Centre because of the unpleasant traffic environment. There was too much traffic, often moving too fast, and a lot of it was heavy trucks. By and large only experienced cyclists were willing to brave these conditions.

Well, the Port Tunnel is now open, and this has made a huge difference in the city centre. Since the Tunnel has opened, Dublin City Council has worked hard to change the cycling environment in the city centre for the better.

With the opening of the Port Tunnel, there are far fewer heavy vehicles in the city centre than before. There has been a decline of over 80% in large trucks on the Quays since the Tunnel opened. Declines on other streets in and around the city centre have been even greater.
There are extra sections of cycle lane and bus lane (which cyclists can use) on the north quays.

An improved cycle network and improved traffic environment in the city centre means cycling is now more pleasant and safer in many areas of Dublin than it was in the past.

And more improvements to the city centre environment for cyclists are planned.

What about the rain?

Well although the summer of 2007 was a washout, the long term average number of wet days in a year endured by cyclists who cycle every day to and from work is less than 5% (believe it or not!) of days cycled. Remember before you jump in the car on a rainy day- everyone else has the same idea and the traffic will be even worse. Get a decent rain/wind top and check the weather forecasts for the days when you might get caught in a shower or worse. Of course no-one says you have to cycle every day, so if you’re worried about a particularly ugly looking cloud lurking on the horizon maybe just get the bus in that day.

What about cold weather?

Gloves and a scarf are of course useful on particularly cold mornings. Other than that, crisp fresh air makes cycling really fun – a break from the artificial environment of centrally heated homes, air conditioned cars and heated workplaces. And since you are moving you’re generating your own heat so you’ll warm up in a couple of minutes.

Cycling Make Cents!

Buying a decent bike and kitting it out costs less that the annual insurance bill for a car.

A good quality commuting bike will cost you roughly €350. Lights will cost €25, a helmet €35 and good quality rain gear will set you back roughly €70. A secure lock will probably cost you €50.

All in all, that’s an attractively small layout for the wheels that will always offer you a quick, easy and low maintenance means of getting around.

For an 8km (5 mile) each way trip to work in Dublin, the bus fare saved will be around €780 a year.

Petrol costs saved for an 8km (5 mile) each way trip to work in Dublin will be on average €450 a year. And maintenance costs saved (tyres, servicing, repairs) saved will be around €380 a year. This excludes any parking costs saved. It also excludes the standing costs of owning a car – depreciation, insurance, etc, which the AA estimates (2007) at a staggering €4,500 a year for a small-medium size car.

How can I get started cycling?

We are here to help! If you haven’t cycled for a long time, why drop into 2wheels on Sandymount Green and give it a go on one of our rental bikes out and about around Sandymount. Try a quiet time, when there won’t be much traffic, if you are in any way nervous about your skills. You will get an idea of the the cyclist’s point of view and also maybe an idea as to how fit you are!

Whether you’re starting cycling, or getting back in the saddle after a long break, try cycling in a medium gear. This will mean you’ll be cycling at one revolution per second or so – ideal for getting there without too much effort. Once you’re comfortable with his you’ll find the best level for you. As you get more fit and your body gets more toned you will probably look to increase the resistance level and will naturally move up the gears.

Choosing a Bike and Accessories

Bike – You can commute on any bike. Get a bike with a comfortable seat and that allows you to sit in a reasonably upright posture. Cycling with your head somewhere below the handlebars may be all right for the Tour de France but is not recommended for commuting around Dublin! Traditional bikes – any bike with accessible gears and brakes on flat bars are great. Simple bikes are better, there is no point in having zillions of gears if you’ve got an average commute, there is more to maintain and more to go wrong. A commuter bike needs to be a reliable workhorse something which doesn’t look too flash (so you get to keep it longer), and which is comfortable and has mudguards and chainguard that protects you from the weather. A commuter bike can be cheap, good fun and makes a whole load of sense.
Lock – Get a good lock, it is definitely worth the investment. This typically costs about €40.
Lights – When cycling in the dark, it’s crazy not to have decent lights. There are many high quality reliable options around powered by conventional disposable batteries, rechargeable batteries, or even dynamo “standlights” that stay on when you stop.
Clothing – For short commutes on good surfaces, your regular clothing is fine. Longer commutes will probably need something more cycling specific- partly so you’ve got something fresh to wear but also you don’t want to cycle too far in something too baggy that flaps in the breeze. Layering breathable gear is a good way to arrive fresh – but a good “Gore-tex” type jacket will only work well if there are breathable layers underneath. For cycling in the City, especially if you plan to cycle after 4pm in winter it’s always best to wear something reflective, either a Sam Browne belt (around waist and over shoulder) or a tabbard/gilet/vest.
It’s worth getting a back carrier or front basket so you can carry handbags, shoes, a change of clothing if necessary, or even some groceries.
Helmet – Much the source of debate, whether to use one or not. Modern designs are light with plenty of venting and look cool too. It’s up to you to make the choice, whatever you do, try as many on as possible before you buy and make sure you get help in our bike shop. An incorrectly fitted helmet is a waste of time.

Which journeys are best for bikes?

Journeys to work – if it’s close enough to where you live. In fact, if your work is near by its very likely that cycling there will be the quickest way. Unlike driving, cycling times are very consistent and reliable.
On business – traffic can be unpredictably bad at any time of the working day – if you’re out and about on business or meetings relatively close to work it can make a lot of sense and save time to cycle when you can instead.
To a rail station or bus stop with cycle parking nearby – if your walk to public transport is too long.
To local shops – bikes with carriers are great for taking “top up” shopping home – and you don’t have any of the stresses of car parking.
To parks or sports facilities – it’s great to get out for some fresh air and exercise, but having to drive there defeats the purpose. Try cycling instead – maybe with friends or family.
Visiting friends – you don’t need to worry about getting taxis or lifts home.
To cinemas or for a meal – again no need to worry about taxis or lifts home and no parking worries either.

For help in choosing the shortest route from A to B covering most of the built up area of Dublin, why not try the NTA’s cycle journey planner. Don’t forget though that there may be other slightly longer but more pleasant routes, so if you’re making the same journey on a regular basis, experiment with alternatives.